Kid’s Kolumn: Keep Kids Creative Week
Monday marked the beginning of a little-known 7-day celebration. Started in 2003 by artist Bruce Van Patter, Keep Kids Creative Week encourages communities, schools and families to support innovation and exploration among their youth. In today’s increasingly high-tech world, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative – think coding, robotics and the like. Nevertheless, pervasive automation can pose a threat to creative endeavor. And standardized education can tend to limit the curious mind too. To combat the constraints of modern society, Keep Kids Creative Week is an initiative designed to celebrate and inspire creativity within our youth. This child-centered holiday takes place the last week of September every year. So, now’s the time to get them up and away from mind-numbing TV shows, video games and phone apps, encouraging them to follow their imagination wherever it goes. Anyone who lives here knows that Tybee Island offers much to the curious and creative mind. Celebrate this important week, by exploring innovative opportunities around the island with the little ones you love. Here’s three awesome things you can do this week to keep your kid’s creative juices flowing.
Hunt for Treasures!
Tybee’s Fish Art Gallerie has earned a well-deserved reputation as a prime destination for exploration. They literally have just about anything and everything, making it the perfect place for the ultimate treasure hunt. Find bits and bobs to build something cool with your kiddo, or score a unique vintage piece to upcycle and restore. Fish Art Gallerie also has a seemingly endless collection of stones and supplies for young jewelry makers and so much more. This is a place where the stock stretches almost as far as the imagination does, so bring your child by and see where the day goes.
Make a Masterpiece!
The Tybee Arts Association has been an integral player when it comes to instilling creativity throughout the island. And just in time for Keep Kids Creative Week, TAA is offering a special class for young, budding artists. This Friday, September 29, Artist Carrie Turner of ABRAKADOODLE: Art in Our World will give a class from 2:20 to 3:10 p.m. that’s sure to inspire artistic expression in your child. ‘Mini Doodlers’ between 3 and 6 years old will create their own artworks using a range of cool and colorful media. Designed to promote fine motor and listening skills while allowing creativity to flourish, the ABRAKADOODLE art class is a great way to celebrate this fun, festive week. Register your child today.
Get Cookin!
One of the best places to get creative is in the kitchen, and this weekend presents a special opportunity to introduce kids to the harmony that exists between art and food. Following on September 30th, TAA has teamed up with Whole Foods Savannah to present the Kids Club: “Palette to Plate” Creativity Session. At 10 am, in the Whole Foods café, children and teens will discern between palettes, palates and pallets in the related fields of food, fibers and art. Nature has always been art’s first inspiration, and following that tradition, participants will crush vibrant berries to create their very own painting. Participation is just $5 and proceeds will benefit the Whole Foods Kids Foundation and the Tybee Art Association’s Education Program. Your child is sure to have a great time.
About the Author:
Chantel Baul
Chantel Baul is a Savannah native with a knack for writing and an ever-growing curiosity. She received her BA in English and Professional Communications from Armstrong State University, and when she’s not writing she’s serving the country as a US Army Reserve Officer. She’s an NPR nerd/foodie with a deep passion for all things travel, sustainable living and fun.
